Does anyone here use Cold Steel Bushman knives? If so, any feedback you can give me on them? I am looking at ordering a Cold Steel Bushman Black SK-5 for my pack but would like to know a bit more about them first. Thanks!
I have a Mora #2 that my husband bought for me. it works for everything I've ever needed it to do. The Cold Steel was going to be a backup to keep in my pack.They are decent knives. Hard to beat for $25. Much better knives out there, but comes with a price increase. I won't say there aren't good knives out there for less than $50. But that is where I believe higher quality is obtained. But im my experiences, I can do everything I can with my $15 Morakniv as I can with my $100 knives.
Is this your first fixed blade?
Why are your intentions/purpose/philosophy of use for the knife?
It does have a 7" blade. Which is pretty unwieldy for an inexperienced blade user.
If you need a knife for the "do it all" camp/hiking chores. From whittling wood to processing some 3 inch diameter logs for firewood. I would first recommend a Carbon Steel Mora. Like the Morakniv Companion knife.
If your looking for a serious larger "survival" knife. Save up more and look elsewhere than the bushman. If i were to reccomend a similar knife. Look at ethan beckers line of kabars. The BK series. Great value knives. More expensive but not crazy pricey. Well worth the wait and money.
also as a side note.. I carry two knives. My bk2 for serious work and my mora for everything else. There really is no do it all knife. I would say get a Mora now. And then buy a bigger knife. You'll get by fine. And this way, you wont end up with two large knives and no use for the bushman. Money saved in your pocket.
this is the one I am looking at:I have had one for over five years now and it has been hammered, dropped, thrown, scraped, you name it. It still sharpens easy and holds a decent edge.
With a couple of corks and some trimming you can close up the handle openings and stuff whatever small survival items you need to in there.
Stick it on a stick and you have a spear.
Good knife that is versatile and able to withstand abuse.
One tip: If you get it, consider skateboard tape or something similar to wrap the handle with. It can get slippery as is.
for stealth yes, however I personally prefer shiny blades for the sole reason I can use it as a signal mirror. I can easily hide the shine of a blade if i need to be stealthy but if i want to be seen its much harder to remove black painting on knives.My wife has one in her bag. She wanted to have her 8 inch chef knife , but I explained that the chef knife will not be in the bag when you need it, it has no sheath, and, it is shiny and bright, not what you want if you are trying to be stealth.